Bonylip Barb

Osteochilus vittatus

Bonylip Barb is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 5+.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerKeep in a loose group of 5+Intermediate

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Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 12.6" (≤ 32 cm)
Aquarium size: 171 US gal (648 L) or larger / ≥ 70.9" (≥ 180 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 72–77°F (22–25°C)
pH: 6–8
GH: 5–12 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 5+

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 171 US gal (648 L) or larger / ≥ 70.9" (≥ 180 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–25 °C, pH 6–8, GH 5–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Bonylip Barb is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Offer small sinking foods with plant content and regular small live or frozen foods. Provide several small meals; do not rely on food at the surface.

How to feed aquarium fish — General freshwater community guidance

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 171 US gal (648 L) or larger / ≥ 70.9" (≥ 180 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 5+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: China, Myanmar, Indonesia, Vietnam.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

African Banded Barb Enteromius fasciolatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Arulius Barb Dawkinsia tambraparniei Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm) 64–77°F (18–25°C) Assam Danio Devario assamensis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.5" (≤ 9 cm) 59–72°F (15–22°C) Bala Shark Balantiocheilos melanopterus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 13.8" (≤ 35 cm) 68–82°F (20–28°C) Bandula Barb Pethia bandula Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4.1 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Barred Danio Devario pathirana Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Bonylip Barb get?

Bonylip Barb reaches ≤ 12.6" (≤ 32 cm). It needs specialist housing, long-term space, strong filtration, and carefully chosen companions.

What aquarium size does Bonylip Barb need?

Use an aquarium of at least 171 US gal (648 L) or larger / ≥ 70.9" (≥ 180 cm) minimum length.

Is Bonylip Barb peaceful?

Yes. Bonylip Barb is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Bonylip Barb?

Keep it between 22 to 25 °C.

Should Bonylip Barb be kept alone or in a group?

Bonylip Barb: Keep in a loose group of 5+.